The programme is designed to bring together national organisations to share resources, skills and experience between themselves and local organisations, aiming to increase opportunities for people impacted by health inequalities and COVID-19 to access social prescribing activities.

It is thought that the demand for social prescribing services will increase due to the COVID-19 pandemic and this programme has been created to support voluntary organisations in the development of their social prescribing ideas.  The programme will include:

• a community of practice to share and support best practice to increase the availability of social prescribing opportunities across the country
• advice and training to support organisations develop innovative social prescribing offers
• accelerator cohorts who will work together to co-develop their ideas, and receive additional 1-2-1 support where needed

James Sanderson, Chief Executive of the National Academy for Social Prescribing, commented on the programme: “I’m delighted to launch this new programme of work with Royal Voluntary Service. Designed for and by national organisations, this programme will empower them as active members of the social prescribing community. Together with local systems, we can unlock the power of social prescribing activities across the country and help even more people impacted by health inequalities and COVID-19.”.

If you are interested in joining the Community of Practice (by 3rd October 2021), or would like more information, visit the National Academy for Social Prescribing.